S 2732Personal

Motor and Other Vehicles - Passing, Use of Lanes and Rules of the Road

This bill allows motorcycles to safely pass stopped or slow-moving vehicles within the same lane at low speeds.

Held for study

Population
Affected

Introduced Feb 27, 2026Committee Senate Judiciary

Plain-English Summary

This legislation permits "lane filtering" for two-wheeled motorcycles in Rhode Island. Under this bill, motorcycle operators are allowed to drive between lanes or pass vehicles within the same lane, provided that the surrounding traffic is either stopped or moving at speeds of 10 miles per hour or less. To do this legally, the motorcycle rider must not exceed 20 miles per hour and must ensure the lanes are wide enough to pass safely. This creates a specific legal exception to standard lane usage rules for motorcyclists in slow traffic conditions.

For younger readers

This bill creates a new rule for people who ride motorcycles. Usually, vehicles have to stay in line one behind the other. This law says that if cars are stuck in traffic and are stopped or moving very slowly, a motorcycle is allowed to slowly drive past them in the same lane. This is called "lane filtering." The motorcycle rider has to be very careful, drive slowly (under 20 miles per hour), and make sure there is enough room to squeeze by the cars safely.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

Motorcycle OperatorsAutomobile DriversLaw Enforcement OfficersInsurance CompaniesTraffic Safety Regulators

Impacted communities

All

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

None Likely

Estimated cost

None

Estimated revenue

None

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Enhances the safety of motorcyclists by allowing them to move out of the "crush zone" between stopped cars, reducing the likelihood of rear-end collisions which can be fatal for riders.
Contributes to environmental welfare by reducing traffic congestion and idling time for motorcycles, thereby slightly lowering vehicle emissions in high-traffic areas.
Promotes efficient use of shared public infrastructure by maximizing the capacity of existing roadways without the need for expensive construction or expansion.
May create anxiety or safety concerns for other drivers, particularly those with slower reaction times or disabilities, who may be startled by motorcycles passing in close proximity.
Could potentially encourage aggressive driving behaviors if the specific safety limitations (speed limits) are not strictly adhered to by riders.
Might pose a risk to pedestrians crossing between stopped cars in urban environments who may not anticipate a moving motorcycle in a lane of stopped traffic.

For Conservatives

Increases personal freedom and liberty by removing government restrictions on how individuals choose to navigate traffic, trusting citizens to operate their vehicles responsibly.
Improves economic efficiency by reducing time wasted in traffic gridlock, allowing commuters to reach their destinations and places of commerce more quickly.
Reduces government regulatory overreach by eliminating a traffic prohibition that many view as unnecessary for skilled operators.
Undermines the rule of law and orderly conduct on roadways by legalizing "queue jumping," which may be viewed as unfair to law-abiding automobile drivers waiting their turn.
Increases the difficulty of law enforcement, as police may struggle to verify the specific speed differentials required by the law, potentially leading to unchecked reckless behavior.
Compromises public safety by introducing unpredictable vehicle movements into traffic patterns, potentially increasing liability and accident risks for car owners.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

Changes to existing Rhode Island law · 11 additions

SECTION 1. Chapter 31-15 of the General Laws entitled "Passing, Use of Lanes, and Rules of the Road" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section: 31-15-1.1. Lane filtering for motorcycles -- definition.

(a) The operator of a two (2)-wheeled motorcycle may engage in lane filtering when:

(1) The operator of a two (2) wheeled motorcycle is on a road with lanes wide enough to pass safely;

(2) The overtaking motorcycle is not operated at a speed in excess of twenty miles per hour (20 mph) when overtaking the stopped or slow-moving vehicle; and

(3) Conditions permit continued reasonable and prudent operation of the motorcycle while lane filtering.

(b) As used in this section, "lane filtering" means the act of overtaking and passing another vehicle that is stopped or traveling at a speed not in excess of ten miles per hour (10 mph) in the same direction of travel and in the same lane.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.